2013 Seat Exeo ST checking oil

Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Removable towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning . . . . . . . . . 218
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Care of the vehicle exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Vehicle interior maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Accessories and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Mobile phones and two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Athermic windscreen* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Checking and refilling levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper blades . . . . 243
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
If and when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel . . . . . . . . . 261
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tyre repair* (Tyre-Mobility-System) . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Changing bulbs. Halogen headlights . . . . . . . . . 275
Changing bulbs. Bi-Xenon AFS headlights . . . . . 281
Changing tail light bulbs (on side panel) . . . . . . 285
Changing tail light bulbs (on rear lid) . . . . . . . . . 290
Side turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Registration light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Sun visor light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Towing and tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Description of specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Information on fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Engine specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Dimensions and capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
4Table of Contents

81
Cockpit
WARNING
● Before opening the bonnet and checking the brake fluid level, ob-
serve the warning information in ⇒ page 235, Work in the engine com-
partment.
● If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low, this could result in
an accident. Do not drive on! Obtain technical assistance.
● If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp, this can mean that there is a fault in the ABS control function. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. Under cer-
tain circumstances, the rear of the vehicle could suddenly sway from side
to side, with the subsequent danger of skidding. Drive carefully to the
nearest specialised workshop and have the fault repaired.

Fault in the cooling system 
Faults in the cooling system must be repaired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, this means that either the
coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low. The
following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine and check coolant level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the coolant level ⇒ page 241.
– Add more coolant if necessary ⇒ page 242.
– Wait for the symbol to go out before driving on. –
Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the overheating may be caused by a malfunc-
tion of the radiator fan.
If the alternator warning lamp lights up as well ⇒ page 72, it is possible that
the drive belt has broken.
CAUTION
Do not drive on if the symbol  has come on to indicate a fault in the cool-
ing system, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage. 
Engine oil pressure too low 
If the engine oil pressure is too low the fault must be re-
paired immediately.
If the  symbol flashes in the display, the oil pressure is too low.
The following message will appear in the display together with the
symbol:
Switch off engine, check oil level
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the engine oil level ⇒ page 239.
– Obtain professional assistance if necessary.
Engine oil level too low
If the engine oil level is too low, add more oil ⇒ page 240.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

83
Cockpit
Yellow symbols are used to indicate a Priority 2 fault (warning).
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning buzzer. The function indi-
cated should be checked as soon as possible. If several Priority 2 faults are
detected at the same time, the symbols are displayed one after the other for
about 2 seconds at a time. 
Brake light failure 
This warning light will appear on the upper part of the display if any of the
brake lights has failed. A text message in the central part of the display indi-
cates which brake light has failed (left or right). 
Fuel level low 
When this symbol  comes on for the first time, there are about 8 to 10 li-
tres of fuel left in the tank. You should fill up as soon as possible
⇒  page 232. 
Engine speed governing 
Max. engine speed XXXX rpm
There is a fault in the engine management. In addition, the warning lamp 
on the instrument panel will light up. The engine speed will be governed to
the speed displayed in the driver information system. Please ensure that
the engine speed does not exceed the speed shown (for example, when
changing down a gear).
Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop immediately to have the fault re-
paired. Checking the engine oil level

If the  symbol lights up, please check the engine oil level as soon as pos-
sible ⇒ page 239. Top up the oil at the next opportunity ⇒ page 240.
Engine oil sensor defective* 
If the  symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and
have the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is advisable to check the oil
level every time you fill up with fuel ⇒ page 239. 
Diesel particulate filter obstructed 
If the symbol  lights up, you can contribute towards automatic filter
cleaning by driving in the right manner. To do this, drive about 15 minutes
in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: S gear range) at a speed of 60 km/h,
with the engine running at approximately 2,000 rpm. The increase in tem-
perature will burn off any soot in the filter. When cleaning is successful, the
symbol switches off.
If the symbol  does not turn off, or the three lamps turn on (particulate
filter , emission control system fault  and heaters ), take the vehicle
to a specialised workshop to repair the fault.
For further information on the diesel particulate filter, see ⇒ page 204.
WARNING
It is essential that you adjust your speed to suit the weather, road, ter-
rain and traffic conditions. The recommended driving speed must never
lead to the driver disregarding the traffic regulations.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

234Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Petrol with standard EN 228 may be mixed with small quantities of etha-
nol. However, bioethanol fuels available at commercial establishments with
reference E50 or E85, which contain a high percentage of ethanol, may not
be used, as they will damage the fuel system.
● Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.
● High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.
For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the
catalytic converter. 
Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.
The quality of the petrol influences the performance, power and life of the
engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol containing addi-
tives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the fuel system
clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems oc-
cur, the required additives must be added during refuelling. Diesel
Diesel*
Diesel fuel must conform to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European Standard”). It
must have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indi-
cates the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on refuelling ⇒ page 232. 
Biodiesel*
CAUTION
● Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any cir-
cumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel by
the diesel manufacturer in accordance with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628
is authorised and will not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.
● The diesel engine has been designed to be used exclusively with diesel
fuel conforming to standard EN 590. Never refuel or use petrol, kerosene,
fuel oil or any other type of fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle with
the wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Seek assistance from speci-
alised personnel. The composition of these fuels may severely damage the
fuel system and the engine. 

236Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant fluid
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank.
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
added safety risk from the rotating parts (e.g. drive belts, alternator, ra-
diator fan, etc.) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near open flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
● When the external temperature and level of humidity are high or when
the engine stops, it is possible for water to drop from the air conditioning
system evaporator potentially forming a small puddle on the ground. This is
normal and does not indicate a leak.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are lo-
cated on the other side of the engine compartment. Releasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 179 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒ Fig. 179 in the direction indicated (arrow).
The bonnet springs out of its lock. 

237
Checking and refilling levels
Opening the bonnet
Fig. 180 Release catch
under the bonnet
Before opening the bonnet make sure that the windscreen wiper
arms are not lifted away from the glass. Otherwise the paint may
be damaged.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒ 
.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒ Fig. 180.
This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet.
The bonnet is held in position by a gas-filled strut.
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being re-
leased from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in
burns. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
bonnet.
 Closing the bonnet
–
To close the bonnet, push it down until it overcomes the spring
pressure.
– Let the bonnet engage in the locking part. Do not force it ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed
when the vehicle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet, always
check that the locking element is properly engaged. This is the case if
the bonnet is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet. Fail-
ure to do so could result in an accident.

Engine oil General notes
The engine comes with a special, multi-grade oil that can be used all year
round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essential for the correct operation of
the engine and its long useful life, when topping up or changing oil, use on-
ly those oils that comply with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

238Checking and refilling levels
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme, be performed by a Technical Service or a specialised workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the ⇒ page 238,
Oil properties.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the “Maintenance Programme”
booklet is PR QI6, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service
is dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, enable the extension of the
oil change service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒  page 239 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals (up to a maximum of 0.5 litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which al-
so appear in ⇒  page 238, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year/15 000 km (10 000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme. ●
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒  page 239 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5
l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
All Exeo vehicles with a diesel engine have a diesel particulate filter and
must only be filled with VW 507 00 engine oil, which has a low level of soot
formation. Using other types of oil will cause a higher soot concentration
and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒  page 239 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3/ACEA B4 specification. (up
to 0.5 l). 
Oil properties
Engine typeSpecificationPetrolVW 502 00/VW 504 00Diesel. Engines with particu-
late filter (DPF) a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Oils for LongLife service intervals *Engine typeSpecificationPetrolVW 504 00DieselVW 507 00 

239
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and recommend keeping it in the vehicle.
This way, the correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if nee-
ded. 
Checking the oil level
Fig. 181 Markings on oil
dipstick
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the operating tempera-
ture is reached and then stop. –
Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ Fig. 181. If
the oil level is too low, add more engine oil ⇒ page 240.
Oil level in area a
–
Do not add oil ⇒  in Topping up the engine oil  on
page 240.
Oil level in area b
–
You can add oil, but keep the level in this zone.
Oil level in area c
–
Oil must be added. Afterwards, the oil level should be in the
lined area B.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely
to be higher for the first 5000 km. Therefore, the engine oil level must be
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a
journey. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications